Eskom. Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay
Eskom is testing the use of recycled legacy coal ash for road construction, starting with a new access road at its Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. This is the first time in South Africa that coal ash is being used for this purpose. The 759-meter heavy-duty road is designed to handle up to 1,600 trucks daily, each weighing around 34 tonnes.
Through its Research, Testing, and Development (RT&D) initiative, Eskom is replacing traditional cement with recycled coal ash, using about 2,904 tonnes of ash per kilometer of road. This reduces carbon emissions since less cement is used, with every tonne of avoided cement leading to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Eskom’s Research Division has developed geopolymer concrete, made from coal ash, as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement. This technology is being applied to the Kusile West Access Road, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development.
Legacy ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, reduces the need for conventional cement and cuts down on carbon emissions, while opening new revenue streams for Eskom and lowering the costs of managing legacy ash.
By partnering with the Mpumalanga government, Eskom is promoting ash beneficiation, which helps create jobs and supports regional growth. Under Waste Exclusion Regulations, Eskom can use coal ash for road construction and brick manufacturing, offering both economic and environmental benefits. Although Eskom produces 34 million tonnes of coal ash each year, only 7% to 10% is currently reused, with the rest stored in ash disposal facilities, which are costly and environmentally harmful.
Eskom is also working to increase the commercial use of coal ash. About 10% of the ash from its power stations is already being repurposed by various industries, supporting local economic development. This project helps reduce the environmental impact of ash disposal facilities and lowers fugitive dust. The use of coal ash for bricks in past power station closures has already helped construct homes, and this project marks another step in Eskom’s transition to sustainability.
Eskom Distribution has officially launched its Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, marking a significant step toward a sustainable and innovative future. The power utility made the announcement on its X page on Wednesday.
“By setting our standard for eMobility in South Africa, we are not just reducing our carbon footprint but paving the way forward,” remarked Gabriel Kgabo, the General Manager in the Office of the Group Executive, who led the launch.
Eskom is positioning itself as a key player in supporting the development of the electric mobility (eMobility) sector in South Africa. This launch will integrate Eskom into the anchor market for EVs, contributing positively to the stimulation of the local market.
Eskom announced that the pilot project will include the acquisition of 20 electric vehicles (EVs) for operational purposes, ranging from light delivery vehicles to light trucks. As part of this initiative, 10 charging stations will be installed at five Eskom locations across the country. These sites are:
Eskom and Sasol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future liquefied natural gas (LNG) needs for South Africa, aiming to establish a viable LNG import market and supporting infrastructure.
The partnership will assess the country’s potential gas requirements for power generation and industrial use, ensuring long-term supply stability.
This initiative, supported by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, seeks to enhance South Africa’s energy mix, support re-industrialization, and aid the nation’s energy transition and decarbonization efforts.
“We have made it clear that we are serious about LNG solutions for the country, and that our demand for gas across both industrial and energy frontiers will unlock these solutions,” said Minister Ramokgopa.
